Page 132 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

"This is too hard to believe," Zaiper spat, livid, and doing a poor job of hiding it.

"Why?" Daemonikai cocked his head to the side. "If I did not know better, I would say you hate that mySoulbondis alive, have always hated it even before today. It almost seems like you are dying to kill her even after all we've said. Why, Zaiper? Why are you so invested? Do you hatemethat much to kill mySoulbondfor no reason?"

It was a high accusation, one that could get Zaiper in serious troubles. Everyone went dead silent again.

The high lords exchanged shocked glances. All eyes rested on Zaiper, putting him on the spot like a sacrificial lamb.

"What is it that you have against me, Zaiper? It seemed like you weren't too thrilled about my return. With everything that's happening, I can't help but wonder why." Daemonikai paused, eyes blazing. "Do you wish I had never come back? Would you have preferred it if I had died?"

"No! I have no ill will against you! How c-could you say that!?" Zaiper eyes darted around nervously, seeking any sign of support. "Without a crime, I would never try to attack yourSoulbond."

"Yet we tell you now why she is without crime, so why do you still persist?" Daemonikai doubled down, taking a menacing step towards the second ruler. "Do not think I haven't heard howyou were most inclined to get rid of my feral beast. From all I heard, you were pretty obsessed about it. Tell me, Lord Zaiper, do you truly have no ill will against me?"

Brutal. When he wanted to be, the grand king could be absolutely merciless.

"No!!" Zaiper's voice was a strangled cry, his eyes wide with panic.

The high lords watched him with growing suspicion, people staring at him with distrust. Disgust, even.

"Fine! The girl has no crime,” Zaiper surrendered, words forced out through clenched teeth. “I retract my statements. There will be no executions, no dungeons."

Daemonikai whirled around, addressing the crowd. "MySoulbondjust went through her first full heat. She is completely exhausted and should not have to go through this. I will take her inside now. This gathering is dismissed." He turned to a red-faced, frozen Emeriel. "Follow me."

Chapter thirty-six

WAITING: IN FLOODGATES

Emerielwalkedinadaze, her legs heavy and her mind numb. The grand king led her through the corridors, stopping before a door in the southern wing.

"Stay here." He turned to leave.

"Your Grace..." Emeriel reached out for him, fingers hovered in the air, trembling.

King Daemonikai glanced at her outstretched hand as if it were a venomous serpent. Without a word, he walked out, the heavy door closing behind him.

Emeriel stumbled towards the bed, collapsing onto the cold mattress. Exhaling a shaky breath, she stared ahead blankly.

He had saved her. Her secret was out. Everyone knew.

It still felt… surreal. Like a nightmare she couldn't wake from.

He hates me now.

But he had protected her. She had almost died. Lord Zaiper had been so eager to see her dead. If not for... if not for the other grand rulers, she would be in a cold, hard cell. Or lying lifeless in the courtyard.

Looking at her unsteady hands, her eyes grew wet again. This was not how she had envisioned her return.

He hates me now.

"Em?"

Keira?She sat up to see Aekeira standing by the door. Emeriel had been so lost in her despair, she hadn't heard the door open.

"Keira..." her voice wobbled, and the tears she had fought so hard to hold back surged forward, spilling over.

Aekeira’s eyes shimmered with her own tears. Silently, she opened her arms wide.

Emeriel sprang up and ran into those waiting arms. Andsobbed.

---